Dirt, Red-Coloured Worms in Water: Pimpri-Chinchwad Residents in Pune Face Serious Health Risk

Pune: Even though the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) spends around Rs 2-3 crore every month to clean and purify water, people living in Wakad, Ravet, Tathawade and Punawale are still getting dirty, smelly and muddy water at home, reported Pune Mirror.

Residents have complained to the authorities several times, but the civic officials insist the water is safe to drink—even though lab tests and daily experience show otherwise. Many areas get water only on alternate days, and even then, the pressure is too low.

In Wakad, the municipal body spent crores replacing old pipelines, but the water issues continue. Now, many residents are receiving water that smells bad and looks dirty, which is worrying for everyone, the media report added.

In Ravet, residents of Nano Homes Housing Society reported getting muddy water full of silt through the ‘Smart Sarathi’ complaint platform. In one case, a society found red-coloured worms in its drinking water filter. People in Punawale and Tathawade are also getting muddy water and do not have any option but to use it. As a result, many are falling ill with stomach pain, diarrhoea and nausea.

Even after several complaints, the water supply department has not fixed the problem. Residents are upset and demanding immediate action.

PCMC spends over Rs 228 crore a year on water supply, including buying water from dams and treating it before sending it to homes. Still, the water being supplied is clearly not clean. Recent unseasonal rains have made the problem worse by adding more silt and dirt to rivers. Though the water is treated at plants and chlorine is added to kill bacteria, the results are not showing in the tap water people receive.

Experts say the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level in the water—ideally between 50–150 ppm—is now between 150–250 ppm. This could lead to health problems like kidney stones or heart issues if consumed regularly.

Residents like Sachin Siddhe from Ravet and Sachin Londhe from Wakad have raised the alarm, pointing out that people are getting sick and authorities must act fast to ensure clean and safe drinking water.

In the meantime, officials recommend boiling water or using filters before drinking it.